Texas: Circle the First Major Convenience Store Chain to Sell THC Beverages

VARIN, a hemp-derived THC beverage marketed as a functional alternative to alcohol and energy drinks, is now being carried by Circle K franchise convenience stores in Texas, becoming the first THC drink brand to secure placement in the retailer’s cold boxes. The rollout includes dozens of Circle K locations across the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, a move that signals how rapidly hemp-derived THC beverages are entering mainstream retail environments in Texas outside of traditional marijuana dispensaries.

Unlike marijuana-derived THC products sold through licensed dispensaries, VARIN’s drinks are made using hemp-derived THC combined with CBDV and a blend of functional ingredients commonly associated with focus and cognitive support. The company says this allows consumers to experience a controlled, predictable effect while remaining within the bounds of federal hemp law.

“Jitter-free energy. Flow-state focus. Mind-body balance. A signature euphoric social lift,” VARIN CEO and co-founder Tyler Marshall said. “That’s exactly why we created VARIN. Our drinks combine hemp-derived THC with CBDV and select nootropics that boost mental performance like theobromine, L-theanine, lion’s mane and B-12, to deliver a smooth, uplifting, feel-good-but-still-focused effect without the jitters or the crash. Putting VARIN in the cold box at Circle K makes choosing that kind of experience as easy as grabbing your favorite beverage.”

Consumers can choose between 10-milligram and 30-milligram THC options across four flavors: Appleberry Rosehip, Blue Razz Bombsicle, Pink Strawburst and Coconut Wave. The beverages contain zero sugar, zero caffeine and zero calories, positioning them as an alternative to both traditional energy drinks and alcoholic beverages.

Select Circle K stores are also expected to host regular in-store tastings through 2026 as part of the launch, further normalizing hemp-derived THC beverages within everyday retail settings in Texas.